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RDP project database

Building a Street Light System Using Solar Energy

Summary

The project enabled to build a system for energy efficient street lighting in nine villages in the Municipality of Kainardja in order to achieve savings on electricity expenditure and costly maintenance of the current lighting system.

Background

The municipality of Kainardja, in the Silistra region, has the lowest development rate in the region and is considered a backward rural area. Among the problems the municipality faces is the low degree of development of infrastructure, insufficient public services, such as transport; low level of education and general lack of qualification of the population combined with high unemployment, limited opportunities for employment, and an average low income per capita. In order to improve public services, the municipality decided to apply for funding under measure 322.

Objective

The main objective of the project was to improve public services in the municipality, in particular in 9 of the villages within in the municipality, through the creation of a new lighting system, using alternative sources of energy.

Main activities

The main activity undertaken during the project was the creation of a street lighting system, in particular building and installing 486 lighting fixtures, and installing solar panels and rechargeable batteries for each of them.

Results & Benefits

486 lighting fixtures functioning with solar power were installed. The new solar lighting system enhances the quality of life in the Municipality of Kainardja. The use of solar energy will also generate savings on future expenses for electricity and maintenance of the lighting system.

Lessons learnt

Formulating and implementing useful and innovative ideas, and planning the project implementation - including the financial aspects - thoroughly, are the main prerequisites for the success of a project proposal, combined with consistent efforts of the project promoters.

Project location and other information

The project was implemented in Municipality of Kainardja located in North-East Bulgaria on the border with Romania.

Region

Silistra

RDP Territory

Bulgaria

Total project cost (€)

994 391

EAFRD contribution (€)

795 513

National contribution (€)

198 878

Contact name

Luben Sivev

E-mail

Telephone

+359 86798461, +359 885921818

Languages for contact

English, Bulgarian

At a glance

Country

Bulgaria

Final beneficiary type

Public/local authorities

Budget range

> €500 000

Start date:

20/12/2010

End Date:

06/07/2013

Theme / Measure:

• Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
• Improving quality of life in rural areas
• 322. Village renewal and development

Keywords:

Quality of life, Renewable energy, Innovation, Solar energy, Energy efficiency

Last update

19/06/2014